Melanocytes have branching processes that spread among the keratinocytes and continually shed melanin containing fragments from their tips. The keratinocytes phagocytize these fragments and accumulate melanin granules on the “sunny side” of the nucleus. Like a parasol, the pigment shields the DNA from UV radiation.

–Dendritic (Langerhans) cells (immune cells)

•Macrophages originating in bone marrow that guard against pathogens phag=eat

•Found in stratum spinosum and granulosum (just remember the picture for their location)

•Stand guard against toxins, microbes, and other pathogens that penetrate skin

•Epidermis has as many as 800 dendritic cells per square mm

Dendritic cells-Originate in bone marrow but migrate to the epidermis and epithelia of the oral cavity, esophagus, and vagina.